Foxconn, Apple’s primary manufacturing partner, has officially commenced small-scale production of the upcoming iPhone 17 at its Bengaluru facility. This marks a significant step in Apple’s broader strategy to diversify its supply chain and ramp up manufacturing operations in India. According to an Economic Times report, the Bengaluru unit has now joined Foxconn’s Chennai facility in producing the next-generation iPhone 17, ahead of its expected 2026 launch.
This early-stage production at the Bengaluru plant signifies a major milestone, especially as Apple looks to reduce its dependency on China by expanding manufacturing capabilities in other countries. Foxconn’s decision to begin iPhone 17 production in Karnataka aligns with Apple’s aggressive plans to increase its Indian output.
iPhone 17 Production Expands Beyond Chennai
Previously, Foxconn had been assembling Apple devices predominantly at its Chennai (Sriperumbudur) facility. The inclusion of the Bengaluru plant in iPhone production marks an important development, indicating that Apple is moving toward a more decentralized and resilient supply chain in India.
The Bengaluru plant is currently producing the iPhone 17 in limited quantities, likely for validation and trial runs before scaling up. Full-scale production could begin in the coming months, especially as Apple targets simultaneous global rollouts of new devices from multiple manufacturing hubs.
Apple Aims to Double iPhone Production in India
The timing of this development coincides with Foxconn’s reported goal to double iPhone production in India in the current calendar year. According to insider reports, Foxconn is planning to increase output from 12–15 million units to around 25–30 million units in 2025. This surge in production volume highlights Apple’s growing confidence in India’s capabilities as a global manufacturing hub.
India is becoming an increasingly critical market for Apple—not just as a growing consumer base but also as a key manufacturing destination. In recent years, Apple has shifted some of its production lines, including iPhones and accessories, to India to mitigate risks associated with geopolitical tensions and supply chain disruptions in China.
Strengthening India’s Role in Apple’s Global Supply Chain
With the Indian government offering incentives under the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme, global manufacturers like Foxconn have found India an attractive destination for long-term investment. Apple, in particular, has benefitted from these policies, enabling it to scale its local operations rapidly.
Foxconn’s expanded presence in both Chennai and Bengaluru could generate thousands of jobs, contribute to local economic growth, and reinforce India’s position as a vital player in global electronics manufacturing.
Conclusion
The commencement of iPhone 17 production in Bengaluru is more than just a corporate update—it represents a strategic shift in Apple’s global manufacturing blueprint. As Foxconn ramps up operations and Apple continues to invest in India, the country is poised to play a central role in the future of iPhone production. With Apple’s increasing focus on India, consumers can expect faster rollouts, localized supply chains, and possibly more affordable pricing in the near future.
